Another fully electric vehicle is on its way to South Africa with Lexus announcing the planned introduction of the RZ SUV, the first Lexus BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, to the country.
Following the launch of the first Lexus BEV – the UX 300e in late 2021 – the RZ brings Lexus a step closer in its aim of offering a fully electrified range of Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) by 2030.
What’s new?
It is a brand-new offering on the EV side to South African customers from the luxury manufacturer.
The big news is certainly the all-electric drivetrain with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, which produces 230 kW of power and 435 Nm of instant torque to all four wheels and a driving range of over 400 km.
The new electric powertrain boasts e-Axle electric motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and most important of all, with zero exhaust emissions.
Lexus says its designers have worked to ensure the all-new RZ maintains the famous Lexus benchmarks of exceptional luxury and dynamic driving, faithful to the Lexus Driving Signature.
Instant torque and all-wheel traction allow the RZ to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 160 km/h. Exact local figures for South Africa will be shared closer to the launch date.
The RZ is underpinned by the e-TNGA platform designed exclusively for electric vehicles, providing a low centre of gravity, excellent handling balance and a long wheelbase.
A pair of electric e-Axles are mounted at the front and rear of the RZ; each comprising a motor, gearing and Power Control Unit (PCU) to calculate and instantly distribute infinitely variable power to each individual wheel.
The e-Axles operate in harmony with the Lexus DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, which constantly processes information, including vehicle speed, steering angle and G-forces to best utilise motor torque.
The RZ will launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024. Model grades available for sale will be confirmed at launch.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
South Africa’s automotive parts industry has experienced significant contraction in recent years, with official data from the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) confirming widespread job losses and company closures.
The Festival of Motoring (FOM) opened its doors to the public today at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and will run until Sunday. Over the course of the weekend, vehicle manufacturers from across the industry will showcase their latest offerings, with several models having already been launched to the motoring media yesterday.
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